Why are fire engines used to block lanes on the highway when there is an emergency?

The apparatus blocks one or several lanes to protect the fire and emergency personnel who are working on the scene. The apparatus serves as a barricade to prevent those who are working on scene from being struck by oncoming traffic. By blocking lanes all personnel can work more diligently which leads to more efficient operations thereby allowing the opening of lanes quicker.

All fire apparatus personnel are certified in Emergency Medical Services Basic Life Support skill sets. On many occasions the fire apparatus is closer to the medical emergency than the ambulance, so it is best to send trained and equipped personnel, who can respond as quickly as possible. On occasion, the more serious medical situations require more than just the two EMT’s that are assigned to the ambulance. So the engine or ladder personnel assist the ambulance personnel while on scene.

Open air burning season is from January 15th through April 30th annually. You must purchase a burning permit to be able to burn and you must adhere to several restrictions. A burning permit costs $25.00 and can be obtained by visiting the Headquarters Fire Station located at 32 North Main Street between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm daily.

All problems with fire hydrants can be reported by contacting the Andover Water Department at 978623-8700 during normal business hours. If it is an emergency during nights and weekends call the Public Safety Center 978-475-1281 and speak to dispatch.

The apparatus blocks one or several lanes to protect the fire and emergency personnel who are working on the scene. The apparatus serves as a barricade to prevent those who are working on scene from being struck by oncoming traffic. By blocking lanes all personnel can work more diligently which leads to more efficient operations thereby allowing the opening of lanes quicker.

You may request a car fire or fire report by contacting the Fire Prevention Office at 978-623-8660. To request an ambulance report please call the administration office at the Central Fire Station at 978-475-1281.

Personnel that are trained to the Advanced Life Support level are Paramedics. They have a much higher level of knowledge, skills and abilities that allow them to perform more invasive life saving measures on patients such as utilizing intravenous fluids and medications, intubations, 12 lead electrocardiogram administration and reading, as well as, various other techniques. To achieve Paramedic certification, personnel must participate in over 2000 hours of classroom and clinical time in an emergency department of a hospital.

Personnel trained at the Basic Life Support level are Emergency Medical Technicians and can perform basic triage and treatment techniques. However; if trained, many EMT’s can administer Narcan, Albuterol, Epinephrine, and aspirin to treat their patients who may require these medications.Emergency Medical Technicians must participate in approximately 500 hours of classroom, clinical and mentoring time. Andover Fire Rescue operates two (2) Basic Life Support units 24/7/365.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to perform Community Service at the fire station. There are certain restrictions and all requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. You can obtain further information by contacting the Fire Chief's office at 978-475-1281.

Typically this signals a low battery, which will need to be replaced for the device to keep working. Most hardwired smoke alarms also have a battery back up that will chirp also. They need changing too.

Old propane cylinders can be recycled at a propane supplier that accepts them or the Household Hazardous waste drop day the town sponsors. A small fee may accompany the disposal of the cylinder. Do not place them for curbside recycling or trash pick up as they will not be taken.